Despite the emergence of new diseases, scientists all over the world are still as determined to find a cure for the existing life-threatening conditions like HIV/AIDS. Nowadays, scientists are looking into other ways to end the disease on a global scale.

Research is still heavily underway to be able to develop a cure, and MedicalXpress reports that three experts in the field of infectious diseases are currently assessing potential drug candidates in the hopes that they can determine why and where a cure is needed the most and how they can deliver. The researchers; Dr. Steven G. Deeks from the University of California San Francisco, Dr. Thumbi Ndung’u from the African Research Institute in South Africa, and Dr. Joseph M. McCune from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in Seattle, all found that majority of HIV/AIDS research is found in countries where the disease is not as prevalent but are high in resources.

The three researchers all explain that the breakthroughs made in the research of HIV/AIDS should also factor in the economies and needs of those who need it the most. The disease is especially prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa, where the World Health Organization states, has the majority of the HIV/AIDS cases in the world. This is where 65 percent of new infections and 75 percent of deaths occur as well. They also point out that there has not been a lot of discussion regarding the practicalities of product development for the region that needs it the most. “Failure early on to define a target product profile risks developing a strategy that fails to be effective.”

Meanwhile, MedicalXpress also reports that a study conducted using animal models found a possible method for eradicating HIV/AIDS from the body. Researchers from the Yerkes National Primary Research Center of Emory University and the University of North Carolina found that the “shock and kill” strategy, which involves waking up the dormant virus from within the immune cells and killing it, may indeed be the way to go in eliminating HIV/AIDS.

The researchers conducted two studies using animal models of HIV/AIDS infection. Both studies had different approaches, but the results of both studies were promising. They found that both approaches disrupted viral latency at levels that exceeded expectations. However, their findings do not suggest a cure just yet as more tests are needed with human subjects should be in the plans.

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HRSA’s Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program will be critically important in a number of ways. Not only will it reduce HIV transmission by improving access to HIV treatment and antiretroviral medication, but it will also give those living with HIV access to a better state of health. This is significant, as many who have HIV and daily medication as prescribed (and who maintain an undetectable viral load) have effectively no risk of sexually transmitting the virus to a partner without HIV.

The following is a breakdown of how the funds were allocated, and for which initiatives:

A sum of $628.3 million was awarded to 52 metropolitan areas to provide core medical and support services to people with HIV. These grants were awarded to 24 eligible areas and 28 transitional grant areas with the highest concentration of people with HIV and AIDS and that see emergency care needs.

A sum of $1.3 billion was awarded to 59 states and territories to improve the quality, availability, and organization of the HIV health care and support services and for the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP). In addition, 16 states received Emerging Community grants based on the number of AIDS cases over the most recent five-year period, and an additional $11.2 million was awarded for an initiative for minority individuals living with AIDS.

Approximately $181.8 million was awarded as a part of the Early Intervention Services (EIS) to 349 local, community-based organizations. This sum aims to provide core medical and support services to people with HIV. Also, 76 organizations were awarded approximately $10.2 million in other Capacity Development grants.

Another part of the program allocated $69.7 million to 115 local community-based organizations to provide family-centered comprehensive HIV care and treatment for women, infants, children, and youth with HIV.

A sum of $66.7 million was awarded to support clinical training, oral health services, quality improvement, and the development of innovative models of care through several different programs.

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The US Department of Health and Human Services on Friday announced approximately $2.27 billion in Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program grants were awarded to cities, counties, states, and local community-based organizations in fiscal year (FY) 2019.

This funding, through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), supports a comprehensive system of HIV primary medical care, medication, and essential support services to more than half a million people with HIV in the USA.

“The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program has played a major role in the in the improved outcomes we see for Americans with HIV,” said HHS Secretary Alex Azar, explaining: “Thanks to expanded access to treatment and medical advances, HIV/AIDS has gone from being a likely death sentence to a condition that allows a nearly normal lifespan if properly treated. Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program clients, despite often very challenging circumstances, have a viral suppression rate that far exceeds the national average.”

Program cares for the needs of the whole person

He continued: “The successes of the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program are in part thanks to how the program cares for the needs of the whole person, including non-health factors. With President Trump’s new initiative to end the HIV epidemic in America by 2030, we will build on the successes of the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program to connect Americans, especially in the communities most at risk, to the treatment and prevention services they need.”

“For nearly three decades, HRSA’s Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program has played a critical role in the United States’ response to ending the HIV epidemic,” said HRSA acting administrator Tom Engels. “These grants will help ensure that Americans with HIV/AIDS have access to life-saving care and treatment needed to improve their health quality and medical outcomes,” he added.

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